A forum for critical analysis of international issues and developments of particular relevance to the sustainable political and socio-economic development of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).

31 May 2015

French Polynesia Nuclear Victims Dubious About Commission

Testing victims skeptical of need for more hearings

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, May 25, 2015) – The head of an organisation representing victims of nuclear testing in French Polynesia says a commission set up to assess the aftermath of the testing could just be a charade.

It was set up by France's defence minister, and will be made up of 24 members and chaired by the French High Commissioner in Papeete.

The director of Moruroa e Tatou, which represents victims of testing on the atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa, says 80-percent of the members suffer serious health conditions, including cancer.

Roland Oldham is questioning why more more evidence is needed.

"Why more more and more commissions...isn't there enough proof now that it had a bad impact on the environment, and a bad impact on the health of polynesian people - itsn't it enough proof?"

He says they will make themselves heard.

"As far as we're concerned, we will be speaking with a very loud voice, because we have had enough of all these lies, of 40 years of lying, and if this commission's just for another lie, then it's just a waste of money and a waste of time."